Objectives

The purpose of this exhibit is to:

1. Illustrate motility, functional and structural disorders of upper GI tract on barium studies.

2. Correlation of these findings with CT and/or endoscopy

Background

Barium studies are invaluable in demonstrating functional anomalies in addition to structural abnormalities. There has however been a decline in the number of oral barium studies over the past few decades due to use of other common techniques like endoscopy. Currently, it is only indicated in cases where patients are unable to tolerate endoscopy, or where cross-sectional imaging cannot provide the definitive answer. The expertise in this field is declining and the skills required in interpreting barium studies are decreasing among radiology trainees.

Imaging findings OR Procedure findings

We aim to illustrate barium studies of:

*Oesophageal functional abnormalities e.g. reflux esophagitis, feline oesophagus

*Motility disorders e.g. achalasia, diffuse esophageal spasm, presbyesophagus

*Benign and malignant disorders of oesophagus and stomach

-Benign: pharyngeal web, Zenker’s diverticulum, Schatzki’s ring

-Malignant: Malignant neoplasm of oesophagus and stomach

We will aim to show endoscopic and/or CT correlation where possible.

Conclusion

Barium swallow and meal are still important diagnostic modalities in patients where endoscopy has failed and when other imaging modalities do not provide adequate information or when functional information is required. Hence it is important even in this era for radiologists to be aware of findings on these studies and its implications on patient management. We hope to add value to interpretation of this dying art through this illustration.